And, another fine week it has been. Yes, it’s been a rotten weather AGAIN, and we’ve all got cabin fever and on and on. The good news is that I’ve seen a multitude of Robins flitting around; an indication that Spring is around the corner. And, the horses are shedding big time. Another good sign! Niki and Pico have been “homebound” due to the snow and COLD but I have been able to get some good horse visits thanks to the luxury of an indoor arena. Picasso loves to “dig” in my jacket pockets for his treats and then lick the apple juice off my hands, dog- like and very gently, with his huge horse tongue. I am honored that he trusts me so much. Horses are “flight not fight” animals and Picasso and I have had to develop our relationship over the years. There have been bumps in the road but we’ve cultivated an extraordinary bond that brings us both much happiness. Picasso has also afforded me another wonderful friendship with an 86 year- young woman, Courtney, who meets me at the barn 3 days a week to help with his care. She is bright and spry and I really think that the big guy loves her more because of the multitude of apples and carrots that she brings for him. She was there the first day he was delivered and officially “mine” and has gone through the thick and thins of what makes up our Picasso. Because, he is really ours, not just mine. And thanks to Picasso I get to see my sister Liz and her daughter Katie every weekend. They ride at the barn next to mine and then come to spoil Picasso. Katie will often jump on and take him through his paces on Sundays. What a lucky horse. And, of course lucky humans.I’m not a TV person but found it hard not to watch as much of the Westminster Dog show as possible and will “go back” to see the finals again. The top dogs going into the last day were Matisse, the most medaled Portuguese Water Dog of all time and cousin to the First Families pup; Swagger, the crowd pleasing Old English Sheep Dog; Charlie, and adorable Skye Terrier; the handsome Bloodhound, Nathan and Flame, the Standard Poodle. But, it was Miss P the Beagle who stunned the crowd and 2711 fellow competitors with the big win of Best in Show. She is only the second beagle of 139 Westminster Dog Shows to take the top honor. Girl’s Rock and Dogs are Proof there is God!